Yoga, ego, and embracing growing pains

Yoga is a pain — literally. But somewhere between “Warrior 2” and “please don’t cramp,” I relearned a few lessons about growth and humility.

And this morning, it reminded me just how humbling learning something new can be.

Tree, Warrior 1, Warrior 2, Cobra, Child’s Pose, Pretzel… these are yoga poses I know well—except for Pretzel. I made that one up because that’s what was happening to me this morning as I tried to survive a yoga class way above my apparent “practice.”

I literally had sweat pouring from every limb as I tried to do what seemed almost natural to several people in the class—including, as always, Haley, my wife. I always say I love learning new things and have always appreciated my curiosity. But this morning, I was counting down the minutes for this painful and exhausting lesson to end!

You see, my usual impatience, overly competitive nature, and perfectionism all come into play. I still haven’t mastered the art of letting go—especially when learning something that doesn’t come naturally.

As a long-time business leader, I’ve often preached how glorious failure in the pursuit of new learning can be. That guy is right! But this morning, this guy had to work hard to find the art of learning again letting go of impatience and perfectionism and focusing on nothing more than centering my breathing.

I was reminded that learning can be physical, mental, and emotional all at once. And to all the experienced yoga practitioners out there quietly criticizing me for missing the deeper point—please be as patient with me as I was during 80 minutes of class this morning!

Because as soon as I stepped out—relieved I hadn’t pulled anything—I was overcome with a sense of all I’d gained: more flexibility and balance, the courage to try new poses, a real focus on breathing (I think that’s where the joy emanates from…), and a bit more grace and acceptance for my imperfections.

I’m proud of doing, of simply putting myself “in the arena,” as Teddy Roosevelt famously said—and grateful for how much I learned.

The teacher, by the way, was great. If you're thinking about trying a yoga class, or stopped going because you were feeling judged, just remember, it's not others judging you, it's only you judging yourself.

Whether in yoga or leadership, being in the arena—trying, failing, learning—beats sitting on the sidelines every time.

Learning can be uncomfortable, but that’s where growth lies. Part of that growth involves discovering more about ourselves along the way.

I plan to carry this humility, curiosity, and non-judgment into my week. I hope you will, too.

What did you learn this week, and was it uncomfortable?